Bone Up on Pet First Aid!

Gram and I thought it might be time to bone up on a little doggy first aid since it is getting to be outside time again with spring in the air.

An important thing to remember is when we are hurt, no matter how gentle and kind we are, when we are not hurting or scared, is to keep us wrapped up if possible and to use a soft muzzle or make one out of some gauze. In the scary position of being hurt we just might try to bite the hand that is trying to help us.

If we just have a small cut or scrap, you can handle that just like you would one of the kids, however do not use any petroleum based antibiotic ointments on us because we will probably lick it off and that could make us very sick. Instead of saving money on a vet bill you would be running up one.

My gram put some of that stuff on her cat and ended up going to the pet emergency room with a very sick cat. Needless to say that was not an inexpensive trip.

If you dog is bleeding, apply a compress on the spot and hold, if possible put a bandage on it and if it looks serious take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Burns (heaven forbid) are another thing that will require your vet’s attention. Gently put cool water on the burned area, cover with a non-stick bandage if possible and take the dog to your vet.

Heatstroke is not a pleasant thing for a dog. First of all use cool water, not ice cold water and try to keep the dog calm and again a trip to the vet more than likely will be necessary. Especially if the dog’s temperature is 104 degrees or higher.

Always provide plenty of drinking water for your dog and a shady place to lay down. In the hot weather do not take your dog in the car and leave him/her there while you run errands. It does not take long for the car to over heat and your dog could die.

Poisoning – we do get ourselves in a lot of trouble at times. Since we do not understand that not all things are edible.

Gram says keep the ASPCA Poison Control number posted by your phone (1-888-426-4435) www.aspca.org/apcc consulting fees may apply. Do not try to induce vomiting and rush your dog to your vet or emergency clinic at once.

Along with poisoning comes choking, again we cannot seem to control that urge to chew things. If possible try to use your fingers to dislodge anything that might be in our mouths. If you cannot get it out, put your dog over your knees with its head lower than your knees and slap him between the shoulder blades may help remove it. Call your vet if you cannot get the object removed at once.

Hypoglcemia (excess insulin) if your dog or puppy seems weak or wobbly, rub Karo syrup or honey on its gums and under its tongue, while taking a fast trip to the vet.

Breathing problems, learn puppy/dog CPR. Breathe into your dog’s nostrils and compress its chest with several fingers alternate one breath to 5 compressions (80 to 100 compressions per minute) get to the vet or emergency clinic at once. Do not leave electric cords around for a puppy or dog to chew on.

Shock – if there is no head or chest injury, elevate your dog’s hindquarters and keep the dog covered until you can get to the vets.

Gram says talk to your vet before there is an emergency and learn the basic first aid measures for your dog. Some clinics even have the information printed out. Just a little preparedness can save your dog’s life.